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The book with no name (yet).

An unexpected surprise for me last Friday. I finished the first draft of Romney and Marsh File #6. Finishing the first draft of a book is always a special moment – something to savour and celebrate. I hadn’t been planning to finish it so soon. But after chipping away at it for a couple of weeks with some resolve.I got the chance for a few days feverish activity and it sort of came together. Presently it’s weighing in at ninety-six thousand words, which makes it the second longest R&M File and only a couple of thousand words shy of Particular Stupidities.

I can’t share the title yet because I don’t have a clue what to name it. That’s not happened before. Usually I have some ideas. I’m a bit worried.

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When I started with my self-publishing venture I resolved to reply to any comments I received on both Amazon UK and US sites. It seemed the right thing to do. And I did. Well over a thousand. With the release of Particular Stupidities in the summer I stopped the practice. I didn’t consciously decide to stop. It just sort of ground to a halt because I was on holiday for six weeks and then living out of a suitcase in a flat without Internet for a couple more. A backlog of comments built up on all the books and instead of putting aside the time needed to answer them all I decided not to.

I am still very grateful for all the positive comments I receive. I read every one. I’ve learned a lot from readers’ comments. I’m sure I’ll learn more. I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I don’t value the time and trouble readers put into their feedback, or that I think I’m above it now.

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I’ve started another blog since I’ve been in Ankara. It’s about me teaching my son to read. I’m only mentioning it here because the first four weeks are now complete. I don’t expect it to be of any interest to my regular readers but if there are any of you who know someone who is looking to help their pre-school child to read or just get familiar with the sounds there might be something helpful in it.

Just finished Particular Stupidities and loved it although I thought the start was a little slow,unusual for your books. Can’t wait for your next book and for your next Samson book, I know I keep beating the same drum!

Hi, Jeff,
Thanks for dropping by the blog. Good to know that you enjoyed PS.
I really want to write Acer #4 but I’m finding that I must prioritise with the books that sell best for me now that I’ve given up the day job. I’m going to make a determined effort to get to it before next summer.
Best wishes to you both.